A hike on Mount Etna is a straightforward sufficient day journey from Catania or anyplace within the Japanese a part of Sicily. You may put collectively your DIY itinerary, however I selected an organized tour to benefit from my day on Europe’s most spectacular volcano.
About Mount Etna
Etna is the best energetic volcano in Europe. Its present peak is 3326m, nevertheless it adjustments incessantly with new eruptions. Etna erupts usually, nevertheless it’s one of many “good” volcanoes as a result of it doesn’t normally trigger a lot injury. For comparability, Mount Etna is sort of thrice the peak of Mount Vesuvius, the opposite well-known Italian volcano.
Etna is among the most spectacular sights in Sicily, and it has virtually fixed volcanic exercise. One of many widespread expressions in Sicily is that Etna ‘sta fumando‘ (Etna is smoking), and that could be a frequent picture of Mount Etna.
The fixed eruptions enrich the volcanic soil on this a part of Sicily. That’s the reason the native fruit and greens are among the many finest on this planet, in my view. I’ll get again to that in a publish about meals and wine in Sicily.
Within the meantime, let’s get again to our day journey to Mt. Etna.
Day journey with Etna Transferring
We selected a tour with an area firm, Etna Moving. The day had a little bit little bit of all the things: nice guides, some off-road, a few walks, superb views, and likewise some good meals.
We left early within the morning from Catania in some large SUVs. Effectively, we wanted any such transport, as you’ll see afterward. We headed for the slopes of Mt. Etna. The villages we handed by seemed lovely and nicely maintained. Extra so than Catania, to be sincere.
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A little bit of off-road
The primary ‘journey’ was a brief off-road drive. We left the street and went into the forest. That’s the place the SUVs got here in useful. We stopped in a spot with a very good view, and Fabrizio, our information, taught us the primary lesson of the day.
I all the time had a comfortable spot for volcanoes. I discover them majestic, and their position in forming the ambiance and balancing the temperature leaves me in awe after I give it some thought. An unbelievable mechanism! Anyway, my curiosity in these pure wonders is 1000 occasions exceeded by Fabrizio’s ardour.
We realized in regards to the variations between a Strombolian-explosive volcano, like Mt. Vesuvius, and a stratovolcano like Mt. Etna. He additionally represented the volcanic system proper there, on the volcanic soil. Even a baby may perceive how the magma surfaces, so Fabrizio should be an excellent instructor.
Subsequent cease, exploring a lava tube
We obtained helmets and headlamps and promptly entered a lava tube a couple of meters from the principle street. We may have by no means found the place on our personal. A lava tube is a tunnel the place sizzling lava flowed leaving a big tube behind. Inside, you’ll be able to see the marks of that incandescent move on the partitions. It’s not a spot the place a claustrophobic will really feel comfortable. You may nonetheless enter and stick near the doorway in case you’re not at your leisure in a darkish underground tube. I’m proud to say I made it fairly far into the lava tube. I wouldn’t name it a reasonably place, however on the similar time, it’s not one thing you see day by day.
A stroll by way of the forest
Our subsequent cease was a stroll by way of the forest in an space not too long ago lined with recent lava. Etna had final erupted only some weeks earlier than. At that altitude, it had actually rained small sizzling stones. The whole lot was lined in black: the forest trails, in addition to the roofs in an out-of-this-world scene.
I don’t know in case you ever stepped on a recent lava carpet, nevertheless it’s a special expertise. The tiny lava stones are very mild, and you may hear a squeak with each step. A little bit creepy, possibly.
Mount Etna – Silvestri Craters
Our highest cease was on the 2000m refuge, Rifugio Sapienza. From there, you’ll be able to stroll to the sting of the Silvestri Craters. Additionally, the stroll comes with an unbelievable view. You may see all the best way to the ocean.
In March, after we went there, there was nonetheless a little bit snow from place to position. There’s nothing just like the distinction of those white patches of snow in opposition to the black lava surroundings. It’s a beautiful place at 2000m above sea degree, the place you’ll solely discover a couple of of the purest colours of nature. We had a while to stroll across the place, benefit from the views above all, take all of the photographs we wished. After all, you’ll be able to by no means catch the total great thing about the mountain.
One other factor you must attempt up here’s a recreation. At this altitude, nearer to the craters, there are a variety of lava bombs. Throughout an eruption, the volcano throws massive items of rock at excessive velocity. You will discover them in all places on the mountain slopes. Nature sculpts them over time utilizing rain and wind to numerous shapes. You may think about various things for every of those formations. Some good photographs are ready to be taken there and, moreover, children will love the sport.
A picnic on Mount Etna
Our remaining cease, descending from the refuge, was at a picnic space below some large pine bushes. Actually, it was one of the best meal I may want for. We had some easy meals like olives, sundried tomatoes in olive oil, artichokes, some home made pizzette with tomatoes and oregano, and a glass of wine. In brief, it was excellent, a real style of Sicily.
The tour was speculated to final for about 5 hours nevertheless it was late within the afternoon after we have been again in Catania, drained and comfortable. This present day journey to Etna was the spotlight of our lengthy weekend in Catania.
DIY journey to Mount Etna
You may take a day journey to Mount Etna from Catania simply. After all, you gained’t cowl as a lot floor or be taught a lot, however you’ll be able to nonetheless attain the Silvestri Craters, for instance.
The AST Bus leaves from Catania Central Station in Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII. It reaches Rifugio Sapienza the place you’ll be able to stroll across the craters and likewise take the cable to the height.
You may take the bus at 8:30 AM from Catania and catch the return bus at 4:30 PM from Rifugio Sapienza on Mt. Etna. A bus ticket is 4€, and a cable ticket is 30€. Nonetheless, you want money, you’ll be able to’t pay together with your bank card for the tickets.
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